YS 614 - Behavioral Health and Youth Development (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: None
This 3-credit Masters level course will cover common behavioral health challenges for youth (e.g. depression, psychosis, anxiety, oppositional defiant behavior, substance abuse, etc.). Students will learn about assessment tools, interviewing protocols and motivational interviewing. During the course of the term, students will explore the intersection of race, SES, gender, and sexuality and their impact on mental and behavioral health challenges. Furthermore, students will incorporate cultural competencies in analyzing hypothetical case study scenarios. Students will also explore their own attitudes about behavioral health issues and potential biases. The course will be designed to enable students to better recognize behavioral health challenges, increase students’ confidence in their ability to provide help and refer youth to needed services, and promote supports and inclusion.